Amcor launches new open-call initiatives

Amcor, one of the responsible packaging leaders, has launched two new editions of its open-call initiative, Amcor Lift-Off, to deepen its focus on research and development (R&D) opportunities and key emerging technologies: Amcor Lift-Off Sprints and Amcor Lift-Off Connect.

These new initiatives will build upon the program’s success with innovative start-ups like Greyparrot’s AI-powered waste recognition system, Circolution’s reusable packaging, Nfinite Nanotechnology’s sustainable coatings and Bloom Biorenewables’ bio-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Amcor Lift-Off Sprints is designed to foster technical collaborations with start-ups whose technologies address specific R&D challenges. Successful start-ups will enter a joint development agreement with Amcor’s R&D team and receive up to 500,000 USD in funding. The first session of Amcor Lift-Off Sprints is scheduled for early 2025, with more details to be announced early next year. Amcor plans to hold two sessions annually.

Amcor Lift-Off Connect aims to form strategic partnerships and pilots with start-ups that address challenges beyond R&D. While similar in approach to the Sprints edition; its goal is to nurture collaborations that could lead to further investments. The first session on December 4 will focus on AI in manufacturing and R&D. Future sessions of Amcor Lift-Off Connect will be announced next year, with the aim of conducting two sessions per year.

Amcor seeks to advance open innovation and collaboration with early-stage start-ups through these programs, expanding joint development partnerships in new areas like AI. Amcor is committed to investing up to 3 million USD annually in these partnership activities, including direct investments and in-kind R&D support. Additionally, this will encourage collaboration between Amcor, its customers and the winning start-ups, exploring opportunities for three-way collaboration agreements.

Frank Lehmann, vice president of corporate venturing and open innovation at Amcor, said: ‘We are excited to expand our already successful Amcor Lift-Off initiative and further energize the packaging industry by elevating these cutting-edge technologies. This is an important opportunity to work alongside our customers to provide them with the most innovative solutions available to tackle today’s packaging challenges.’

Applications for next year’s Amcor Lift-Off Sprints and Connect sessions can be submitted in December.